Joe Chan, a forward for Melbourne Storm, is set to join North Queensland next season after finalizing a two-year contract with the Cowboys.
The 24-year-old has received an early release from his contract with Melbourne, which was originally slated to last until the end of 2028, enabling him to start with the Cowboys at the beginning of the 2027 season.
Chan's agreement will keep him in Townsville until the conclusion of 2028 as North Queensland works to remodel its team under coach Todd Payten.
He joined Melbourne prior to the 2023 season after starting his professional journey with Catalans Dragons in the Super League.
Since then, he has made 47 appearances in the NRL with the Storm, featuring in 18 games during the 2026 season while proving his capability to play in various positions.
Though mainly positioned in the second row, Chan has also competed in eight NRL games at centre, showing his flexibility to shift into the middle of the forwards as needed.
Clint Zammit, the Cowboys' list and recruitment manager, expressed confidence in Chan's versatility and experience gained in Melbourne's system as significant assets for North Queensland.
"Joe is a bigger body, he's athletic and can play both edge and middle, which gives us something a little different to what we currently have in the forward pack," Zammit stated.
"He is coming out of a strong system and has already gained valuable experience, having played almost 50 NRL games for the Storm, in addition to a stint in the UK Super League. We believe Joe is a great fit for the Cowboys and the style of football," he added.
Chan is the son of former New Zealand international Alex Chan, who played for Melbourne during the 2004 and 2005 seasons, with Joe now following in his father's footsteps nearly two decades later.
His exit concludes a four-season tenure with Melbourne, adding another forward in the prime of his career as the Cowboys continue to develop their roster for 2027.